Measles (morbilli) is a standout amongst the most infectious ailments that exist and is brought about by the measles infection.The virus is transferable from human to human.

How do you recognize measles? And how do you prevent it?

What is measles?

Measles is a contagious speckle disease caused by a virus. The virus is in the nose and throat of someone who is infected. By coughing, talking and sneezing the virus comes in the air and it can be inhaled by another person. Anyone who has not (or not fully) been vaccinated and has not had the disease can get the disease. People can infect each other from two days before disease symptoms occur up to five days after the start of the skin rash.

Vaccination

There is a vaccine available against measles, the BMR prick (mumps, measles and red dog). Most children are vaccinated against measles when they are 14 months and 9 years old. Adults and children who have not (fully) been vaccinated against measles and have had contact with a measles patient can still be vaccinated.

What are the symptoms of illness?

Measles suddenly begins with

fever,

hanger,

colds and coughing.

The patient becomes slightly shy due to eye inflammation. These phenomena disappear quickly.

After two to three days, a new fever occurs, now higher. A skin rash occurs a few days to a week later. It starts behind the ears and spreads all over the body. After a few days, the skin rash decreases and the fever decreases.

When will you become ill?

After infection, it usually takes about ten days before disease symptoms occur. If you have had measles, or if you have been vaccinated twice, the vast majority of people will receive protection. About 10% of people who get measles develop a complication, such as pneumonia or a middle ear inflammation

How can you get measles and how can you infect others?

The virus is in the nose and throat of someone who is infected. By coughing, talking and sneezing the virus comes in the air and can be inhaled by another person.This can cause defilement. The sickness is infectious. Individuals can taint each other from 4 days before until 4 days after the beginning of the skin rash.

Who can get it and who is at extra risk?

Anyone who has not (or incompletely) been vaccinated or has not yet had the disease can get measles. The disease can go seriously in infants, adults and immune disorders.

How can measles be prevented?

There is a vaccine against measles, the BMR prick (mumps, measles and red dog). Adults and children who have not (fully) been vaccinated against measles and have had contact with a measles patient can still be vaccinated. For this, contact the GP or the GGD. Vaccination must then take place within 3 days after the contact with a measles patient.

When coughing and sneezing, keep your hands on the mouth and nose. Wash hands afterwards. Teach that to children. It is even better to use a paper handkerchief and throw it away after a single use. Is measles to be treated? Measles can not be treated, the complications often do.

Diagnosis

When it is necessary to confirm the diagnosis, the disease can be demonstrated by a throat swab and / or blood test.